MakeMyTrip, one of India's leading online travel platforms, has released its 'How India Travels Abroad' Report, revealing significant insights into the international travel habits of Indians from June 2023 to May 2024.
Surge in International Travel
The report highlights a substantial increase in online searches for international travel destinations, indicating a growing interest among Indians to explore the world. Notably, there has been a 32 per cent rise in the number of travelers taking two or more international trips, while those embarking on three or more international tours have surged by 37 per cent.
Top International Destinations for Indian Travelers
As per the report, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) tops the list of preferred countries, accounting for 17 per cent of all international travel searches. Other popular destinations include Thailand, the United States, Singapore, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.
Most Searched International Cities
Despite a slight decline in search contributions from the top 10 cities, which now stands at 42 per cent, Dubai remains the most searched destination among Indian travelers. Bangkok, Singapore, London, Phuket, Bali, Kathmandu, Kuala Lumpur, Toronto, and New York also rank highly on the list.
Seasonal Travel Trends
The report outlines steady interest in international travel throughout the year, with December emerging as the peak month for travel searches. Short-haul destinations see a spike in searches from October to December, while mid and long-haul destinations are more popular from April to September.
Emerging Travel Hotspots
Indians are increasingly drawn to emerging destinations, with searches for the top 10 new locations rising by 70 per cent. Almaty and Baku, in particular, have seen staggering growth rates of 527 per cent and 395 per cent, respectively, highlighting a growing interest in lesser-explored regions.
Last-Minute Travel and Booking Trends
The report also notes a trend towards last-minute bookings, with nearly 50 per cent of international flights and 56 per cent of hotel rooms being booked within 14 days of departure. Oman, Nepal, and the UAE lead in last-minute flight bookings, while Qatar, Oman, and Azerbaijan top the list for last-minute hotel reservations. In contrast, European cities are favoured for bookings made well in advance.
Rise in Luxury Travel
Luxury travel is on the rise, with a 10 per cent increase in searches for business class flights. Hong Kong has seen a remarkable 131 per cent jump in such searches, followed by Sri Lanka, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.
Demand for Flexibility and Extra Baggage
Destinations like Japan, Europe, the US, and South Korea are popular for zero-cancellation flight bookings, while the UAE, Thailand, Europe, and the US see high demand for travel insurance. Additionally, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal lead in extra baggage bookings, with Europe, the UAE, Singapore, and the US being top choices for visa rejection full refunds.